Tarique Rahman leaves London for Dhaka, ending 17 years in exile

After 17 years in self-imposed exile, Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and long regarded as the “dark prince” of Bangladesh politics, is set to return to Dhaka on Thursday. His return comes weeks ahead of the crucial February elections and marks a significant moment for both the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the violence-hit nation.

For India, Rahman’s homecoming is politically significant. With the pro-India Awami League barred from contesting the elections and Khaleda Zia hospitalised, Bangladesh faces a volatile political climate. Interim chief Muhammad Yunus has struggled to contain radical Islamist groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami, widely seen as aligned with Pakistan’s ISI, which has regained political ground after being banned under Sheikh Hasina.

Recent opinion polls suggest the BNP is likely to secure the most seats, but Jamaat remains a strong competitor. The party’s student wing has also made surprising gains in the Dhaka University elections, raising concerns in New Delhi.